Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), particularly strains and sprains, within stone and sand and gravel mining operations are problematic. In order to protect the nearly 102,000 miners working in stone and sand and gravel mining operations across the United States, the Alpha Foundation has awarded researchers at Indiana University–Bloomington a grant for $249,999 to identify specific risk factors associated with MSDs, including work characteristics and job demands.

Kevin J. Slates

This 18-month study will be led by Todd D. Smith (PI) and Kevin J. Slates (Co-PI). Both researchers are faculty members of the safety unit within the IU School of Public Health-Bloomington. The Alpha Foundation for the Improvement of Mine Safety and Health funds research projects directed towards fulfilling the Foundation’s mission to improve mine safety and health through funding research and development projects by qualified academic institutions and other not-for-profit organizations.